Trail Info:
The Palisades trail is a hiking route near Mt. Rainier National Park. It is part of a loop that connects with the Little Ranger peak trail, and can be a combined total of 18 miles, however there are numerous viewpoints along the way, and the main waterfall is only a 2.5mils round trip.
This trail is wonderful, because there is everything from cliffs to waterfalls to lush forests. There were hardly any people there when I went on my trip, and it made the experience extremely relaxing and memorable.
Above is an image of the lower Dalles waterfall located about 1.5 miles into the hike. This picture was taken in February, on a warmer day, so there was plenty of snow melt.
When I went there were numerous trees down along the trail, and at the base of the waterfall. There were signs notifying hikers of the downed trees, and thankfully they did not create any serious obstacle.
The trail is located along highway 410, and is about 1.5 hr drive from Seattle. The trail has a bunch of great reviews and boasts a 4.7 star rating on Google. However, it does not seem like a busy trail.
More on the hike from the Washington Trails Association:
"Begin a steep climb right from the Highway 410. 0.4 miles in, hikers arrive at a junction with the White River Trail #1199. Keep left, following the Palisades Trail #1198 up a set of switchbacks that parallel the steep canyon along Dalles Creek through forest.
Listen for Lower Dalles Falls, one mile from the trailhead. Take a side trail to the right for a closer look. This is a snow-driven creek, and in the mid summer it is just a trickle. Late spring and early summer are the best time to visit.
Push past the falls, up the wooden staircase and continue to switchback uphill. Cross two creeks on wooden bridges at 1.2 and 1.4 miles from the trailhead, respectively, until the trail becomes a gentle climb. At 1.7 mils, reach the first viewpoint along the trail. With good weather you will see Sun Top Mountain and Skookum Falls (another snow-driven waterfall) across the White River Valley.
Continue on, hiking through old-growth forest and climbing 1.3 miles to the next viewpoint--North Snoquera Point. From here, the views are impressive: Mount Rainier and Sun Top Mountain rise above the valley."
I stopped my hike at the 2nd lookout, as the conditions were not great and were deteriorating the higher we climbed.
Conclusion:
Overall, I would say this is a trail for all ages and all ability levels as you can turn around whenever you reach your limit. There are constant views, and lush forests with fungi, mosses, and other life growing all around. The hike is hardly ever boring, and can even get pretty intense the further you go.
I would recommend hiking this trail as there is no entree pass or fee required. The parking area on the shoulder of highway 410 is very easy to miss while driving, so slow down when you are getting close.
Credit: Washington Trails Association https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/palisades
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